Ready to discover this city full of magic and imagination? Discover Orlando, the main parks, and shopping spots!
Founded in 1873 and located in the state of Florida, Orlando is the most visited city in the United States and one of the places in the world that receive the most tourists, annually. Filled with great attractions, such as Universal Orlando Resort, several golf courses, shopping centers, excellent restaurants, various festivals, and museums, the city has in its vicinity, more specifically in Bay Lake, the world-renowned Walt Disney World Resort.
For these and many other reasons, we have prepared an itinerary that shows the main destinations in the region and what to do in one of the most coveted destinations on the planet! So, come with us to discover the wonders of Orlando up close and plan the best vacation of your life!
Universal Studios Orlando
With its many theme parks, Universal Studios Orlando is the perfect destination for those of all ages looking for fun! Located 27 km from Orlando International Airport, the complex brings together parks such as Universal Studios Florida, Universal CityWalk, Universal’s Volcano Bay, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
In the first, there are places dedicated to the most famous characters in literature, cinema, and TV. One example is the imposing Hogwarts Express, which takes visitors to discover the magical world of Harry Potter! One of the main attractions there is the huge dragon that breathes fire and indicates to tourists, the arrival to a surprising scene!
In addition, the place offers fans of the saga the opportunity to step into history. You can even create your spell with an interactive wand in Ollivander’s and imagine yourself as a real wizard!
Other famous characters are also found there, through amazing 3D rides, such as the iconic Spider-Man and the most famous yellow family in the United States, in The Simpsons Ride.
But Orlando does not live only in parks, as another great attraction there are varied options of clothing, toys, and souvenirs. Some examples are the Betty Boop Store and the Super Silly Stuff, located within the Universal Orlando Resort complex.
And speaking of shopping, did you know that the city is known for having one of the largest outlets in the Southeast region of the United States? Premium Outlets has more than 150 stores from popular brands such as Hugo Boss, Adidas, GAP, Nike, Reebok, and Victoria’s Secrets.
Tip: for those who want to find more alternatives for shopping, have a car at their disposal and go to the nearby town of Winter Park. From Universal Studios Orlando, just drive on FL-408 in Orlovista via S Kirkman Rd. Then just go to FL-426 E/W Fairbanks Ave and take exit 87 via I-4 E.
If you want to visit Universal’s theme parks in Orlando and enjoy the best malls in the area without worrying about transportation, know that by renting a car at Rentcars, you will reach these destinations with ease and comfort.
Arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and taking the FL-528 W/FL-528 Toll W, Universal Orlando Resort is easy to reach in less than 30 minutes! Just stay on the lane, head to Universal Blvd, and choose exit 75 via I-4 E, paying close attention to the park’s signs.
Walt Disney World Resort
Continuing the script, how to talk about Orlando without paying special attention to the fantastic world of Disney? Destination for several families throughout the year, the Walt Disney World Resort, located 26 km from downtown, the park is the main responsible for the worldwide fame of the city.
The complex unites 4 theme parks: Disney’s Hollywood Studios (1989), Disney’s Animal Kingdom (1998), Epcot (1982), and Magic Kingdom (1971). In addition, the so-called Walt Disney World Resort also includes famous recreation and leisure centers such as Disney Springs and two must-see water parks.
The Magic Kingdom is the most famous of all, not only for featuring the traditional Disney nighttime fireworks display, but mainly for featuring the most celebrated characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Cinderella Beauty and the Beast, and many other protagonists of cartoons and fairy tales.
For those looking for great musicals, Disney Hollywood Studios is the right place! It features shows by big movie idols, such as Pocahontas, Toy Story, and Aladdin. Now, if you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll also discover must-see attractions like A Galaxy Far, Far Away, A Galactic Spectacular, and the Star Wars Guided Tour! And for those who like adrenaline, Aerosmith’s Rollercoaster is the most extreme in the park!
Continuing this delicious trip, at the Epcot Center, visitors will find high-tech toys, which honor different countries and are the most suitable for adults. Each area has a different surprise, with shops, various attractions, bars, and restaurants considered the best in the country, which allow tourists to take a break from the tours to enjoy that tasty meal!
When night comes, you can choose from many options for shows. The most famous is Fantasmic Disney, at Hollywood Studios, with the main characters parade on a boat filled with lights. In addition, there is an incredible fireworks show at Epcot Center’s central lake and another one with neon lights at the Disney Animal Kingdom. As you can see, options abound. It’s really hard to choose just one!
Disney Springs
Another indispensable destination, without a doubt, is Disney Springs. That’s because the four most visited districts in the country are located in this complex: The Landing, the West Side, The Marketplace, and The Town Center, all reserving great activities for different audiences!
Among the main attractions are the numerous themed restaurants that win over visitors! The Rainforest, for example, has one of the most famous menus and surprises by its structure, with a huge volcano that breathes fire over its surface.
In addition, there is also a lounge about the famous Indiana Jones, known as Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. At the Planet Hollywood Observatory, you can find ample space to admire the decoration based on the big box office hits of the cinema, in addition to enjoying varied menus, from salads to delicious desserts.
Now, to amuse and surprise the kids, T-Rex is a restaurant that has more than 15 animated dinosaurs, a menu that promises to please different tastes, as well as a store with many items related to the theme.
Finally, Disney Springs seekers will certainly want to take advantage of Disney’s exclusive stores and famous brand outlets such as MAC, Sephora, Havaianas, Zara, Lacoste, Coca-Cola Store and Columbia Sportswear. There, it’s easy to find several accessory stores, decorative items, collectibles, clothes, shoes, and much more!
After having a wonderful meal in one of the indicated restaurants, savoring a delicious sweet at Amorette’s Patisserie, for example, and doing great shopping, how about more excitement? For this, be sure to take an exciting balloon ride and have the privilege of observing Disney Springs from an unparalleled angle!
Tip: getting to the location will not be difficult, especially with the help of a car! From Orlando International Airport, just take FL-528 W/FL-528 Toll W to Lake Buena Vista. Then choose exit 67 via I-4 W and turn right. The trip, along this route, takes about 30 minutes!
To rest in Orlando
If after all these attractions, you still want to enjoy a beach, less than an hour’s drive away is the beautiful Cocoa Beach Pier. With crystal clear waters, bars on the waterfront, volleyball games in the sand, and beautiful natural landscapes, the place is a favorite destination for families and surfers.
To enjoy this paradise, departing from Orlando Airport head north on Access Rd/Jeff Fuqua Blvd, take the right lane to merge onto FL-528 E via the on-ramp to Cocoa /Kennedy Space Center/Florida 417 Toll / SanfordUcf / Port Canaveral, and keep going towards Florida A1A S. Then turn left onto Minutemen Causeway, use the right lane and turn left onto N Atlantic Ave to finally turn right onto N 1st St.
